economy

EU faces ‘China shock’ as EV imports drive Beijing’s record surplus with bloc

China sold goods worth about $148bn to EU in first quarter of year, but imported just $65bn

EU faces ‘China shock’ as EV imports drive Beijing’s record surplus with bloc

TL;DR

  • China's trade surplus with the EU reached a record $83bn in the first quarter of 2026.
  • Sales of Chinese electric and hybrid cars to the EU nearly doubled in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the previous year.
  • The EU is proposing an industrial strategy and has imposed tariffs on some Chinese car brands to protect its industries.
  • China warns of retaliation against EU measures it deems discriminatory.
  • Europe remains heavily reliant on China for rare earths, despite EU initiatives to diversify supply.

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